EP3590785A1

EP3590785A1 - Connecting device for feed lines

Info

Publication number: EP3590785A1
Application number: EP18760908.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juan Antonio Mahugo Criado
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Power Link Security Sl
Priority date: 2017-02-28
Filing date: 2018-02-27
Publication date: 2020-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-27
Also published as: EP3590785A4; ES1180658Y; US20200076102A1; HRP20231136T1; EP3590785B1; SI3590785T1; WO2018158473A1; US11239592B2; ES2956736T3; ES1180658U; RS64586B1; HUE063259T2; EP3590785C0

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for connecting feed lines, comprising: first electrical connector elements which can each be connected to a power supply, and first fluid connection elements which can be connected to a working fluid source, all of said elements being grouped together in a fixed manner in a first stationary connector; a power feed line, a working fluid feed line; and a second fluid connection element coupled to a first end of a flexible tube and second electrical connector elements, grouped together in a fixed manner in a first movable connector. According to the invention, at least first end segments of the second electrical connector elements and of the flexible tube are disposed inside an elastically flexible hose that is connected to the first movable connector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention falls within the technical field of feed line connections which are used to supply, through feed lines, power and working fluids, such as pneumatic fluids and hydraulic fluids, from a supply source to parts and devices requiring power or such working fluids for the operation thereof.
These connections are especially used between motor vehicles, especially lorries, and the trailers or semi-trailers thereof, but also for example between tractor machines and railroad cars.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, the electrical and pneumatic or hydraulic connection between the tractor unit of a heavy vehicle and the corresponding trailer thereof is usually performed through a plurality of power feed lines with the different electrical connector elements thereof coupled at respective ends of the electrical cables, and in the case of feed lines for working fluids, such as pneumatic or hydraulic lines, fluid connection elements. It is of vital importance for the operation and circulation of the vehicle that these feed lines work perfectly, since they feed the safety systems necessary for the circulation of the vehicle.
The feed lines are usually made up of spiral hoses, which enables the distension and contraction thereof when withstanding the manoeuvres of the vehicle in different everyday manoeuvre situations. The location of the feed lines is limited to a reduced space, for example the one between the tractor unit and the trailer, which causes an interaction between them, as well as friction, hooking, bumps, etc., and on numerous occasions it results in one or several of said lines breaking, produced by a manoeuvre of the vehicle or simply by the interaction produced between them, namely bumps, distension or wear. Also, in practice, the wear of the hoses is uneven depending on whether they are electrical or pneumatic connections.
Since it is a solution involving several elements, in order to safeguard the operation of the vehicle, this forces the driver of the vehicle to carry the corresponding spare part somewhere therein for each element in order to be able to replace the used part with a new one in the backup kit in case of a breakdown, since if something breaks and said spare part is not available, the vehicle is immobilised with the consequent harm to costs, time, etc.
Indeed, the current solution for connections, at a minimum, requires drivers or users of heavy vehicles to pay attention to the care of these feed lines, the connections thereof, have at all times the necessary stock on board the vehicle of the corresponding spare parts as well as the replacement thereof once the item in question has been repaired.
Furthermore, in conventional systems each feed line must be connected separately, which requires the user's attention and time when performing the connections of the different lines between the connectors connected to the power or pressure supply and the connectors connected to the elements consuming power or pressure. If the uneven wear of each hose is added to this, it creates a situation with unpredictable and constant breakdowns and replacement of hoses, without the useful life of all of these being able to be adequately foreseen or coordinated.
Another disadvantage of the connection devices of the prior art is that when the fluid connection hoses are disconnected from the stationary connectors, the working pressure and fluid are lost, which in practice leads users to leave said hoses hanging from the stationary connector, which increases not only the exposure thereof to dirt and wear, but also the risk and frequency of theft.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art, by means of a device for connecting feed lines comprising: first electrical connector elements which can each be connected to a power supply, first fluid connection elements which can be connected to a working fluid supply, a power feed line comprising a plurality of electrical cables with corresponding second electrical connector elements coupled at respective first ends of the electrical cables, and which can each be connected to one of the first electrical connector elements in a male-female connection, a working fluid feed line comprising at least one flexible tube which conducts a working fluid with a second fluid connection element coupled at a first end of a flexible tube, designed to carry a working fluid selected from between pneumatic fluids and hydraulic fluids, and which can each be connected to a first fluid connection element in a first quick connection, the connection device being characterised in that the first electrical connector elements of the power feed line and each first fluid connection element of the working fluid feed line are grouped and immobilised in a first stationary connector; the second electrical connector elements and each second fluid connection element are grouped together in a fixed manner in a first movable connector; the first and second electrical connector elements and the first and second fluid connection elements are disposed such that, when the movable connector is connected to the stationary connector, each first electrical connector element and each second electrical connector element are connected to each other in a male-female electrical connection, and each first fluid connection element and each second fluid connection element are connected to each other in a male-female fluid connection; at least first end segments of the electrical cables and of each flexible tube are disposed inside an elastically flexible hose connected to the first movable connector.
Through the first stationary connector, the first electrical connector elements and each first fluid connection element can be connected to the respective power supplies and working fluid supply, such as the power supplies existing in the tractor unit of a heavy motor vehicle for which the first stationary connector may be assembled, for example, on the outer wall of the cabin of the tractor unit.
In one embodiment of the invention, the connection device further comprises a second movable connector wherein third electrical connector elements connected at second ends of the electrical cables and at least a third fluid connection element at a second end of each flexible tube are grouped together in a fixed manner. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the connection device comprises a second stationary connector wherein fourth electrical connector elements which can be connected to the third additional electrical connector elements in a male-female connection, and at least a fourth fluid connection element which can be connected to each third fluid connection element are grouped together in a fixed manner. Preferably, the third and fourth electrical connector elements and the third and fourth fluid connection elements are disposed such that, when the movable connector is connected to the stationary connector, each third electrical connector element and each fourth electrical connector element are connected to each other in a female-male electrical connection, and each third fluid connection element and each fourth fluid connection element are connected to each other in a female-male fluid connection.
Through the second stationary connector, the fourth electrical connector elements and each fourth fluid connection element can be connected to the respective panels and devices which require power or such working fluids for the operation thereof, such as the elements which consume them in a trailer or semi-trailer (for example brakes, lighting, signalling, air conditioning, weighing, etc.) of a heavy motor vehicle, for which the second stationary device may be mounted on the front of the trailer or semi-trailer facing the rear wall of the cabin of the tractor unit.
The second stationary connector and the second movable connector may have inverse structures and functions similar to those of the first stationary connector and the first movable connector.
Preferably, the hose comprises a spiral segment and at least one flat end segment. Each flat end segment of the hose is connected to a movable connector.
In one embodiment of the invention, the working fluid feed line comprises at least one main flexible tube for the passage of outlet working fluid coming out from the working fluid feed supply from the first fluid connection element to the second fluid connection element, and at least one secondary flexible tube for the passage of return working fluid coming from elements which consume working fluid.
In a preferred embodiment of the first stationary connector, it comprises a body made of electrically insulating material with a rear portion, an intermediate portion and a front portion.
The rear portion of the body comprises electrical input connections and at least one working fluid inlet, the intermediate portion comprises intermediate electrical connections which connect the electrical input connections with the first electrical connectors, and the front portion comprises the first electrical connector elements and the first fluid connection element(s).
The first electrical connector elements of the stationary connector can be disposed in the vicinity of the fluid connection element(s) either in a peripheral, inner or mixed area of the front face area of the front portion of the body, while the second electrical connector elements and the second fluid connection element(s) of the movable connector are disposed in the front face of the movable connector in a complementary manner with respect to the first electrical connector elements and each first fluid connection element in order to thus form respective male-female connections.
The first electrical connector elements can consist of electrical pins which form male electrical connector elements, and surrounded by an external perimeter partition.
Also preferably, the intermediate portion of the body made of electrically insulating material comprises at least one internal chamber which receives the working fluid entering through the inlet for working fluid and connected to at least one first fluid connection element. In this case, each first fluid connection element is preferably a fluid fitting, meaning according to whether the working fluid is a pneumatic fluid, it is a pneumatic fitting and, if the working fluid is a hydraulic fluid, it is a hydraulic fitting, provided with a valve operated by pressure or a manual operation which closes the passage of the working fluid preventing the discharge thereof when the second fluid connection element, a male element, is not inserted and which is unlocked when the corresponding second fluid connection element is inserted into the first fluid connection element and enables the passage of working fluid. Each valve may conveniently be provided with at least one gasket which ensures the seal by contact with the channel through which it travels. The closure can be ensured by means of at least one elastic element which will press the gasket against the channel and the valve is designed such that the surface thereof can take advantage of the pressure in order to close the circuit.
According to this embodiment of the connection device according to the invention, the first movable connector comprises a main body with a front portion which has corresponding holes wherein respective electrical contact bushings are inserted which make up the second electrical connector elements and wherein the electrical pins of the stationary connector are inserted when the latter is coupled to the first movable connector. The rear portions of the bushings are connected to the electrical cables. In turn, in this case each second working fluid connection element can be a tubular passage and be made up of a male working fluid connection element which presses on or manually operates and, therefore, opens the corresponding valve of the stationary connector. In the rear portion of the tubular passage, the rear portion of the first movable connector is connected to the flexible tube of the hose, and the intermediate portion of the tubular passage can be integrated into the main body of the movable connector. In this manner, each valve will be opened by pressure, a manual operation or a combination of both, when the movable connector is completely coupled to the stationary connector. The front portion of the passage of the first movable connector will press on the corresponding valve, which will therefore move it such that the working fluid passes through the valves and enters the flexible tube of the hose. Said manual operation for opening valves could alternatively be executed either by means of a manual key or by means of an automation that would open or close the chambers.
In order to ensure said coupling between the first stationary connector and the first movable connector, one of them, preferably the stationary one, can be provided with a fastening and interlocking element, such that, when the movable connector is coupled to the stationary one, said fastening element performs a manual operation to ensure the coupling between the portions and the opening of the valves. The interlocking element can be actuated by a rotation or a rectilinear movement which is longitudinal to the forward direction of the working fluid. In both cases, the movement of the interlocking element must ensure a sequence of circumstances within the connecting of both connectors like the one described below.
In a first stage of the operation of the interlocking element, the contact of both elements must be ensured without changing the position between them. This can be achieved through the actuation of one or several pivots secured to the interlocking element which is inserted into a slot of the movable connector or vice versa. When the pivots enter said slot, the air connector can no longer be accidentally released, since the interlocking element ensures the position of the air connector and prevents it from being released. This first stage is very important in the safety of the handling of the connectors, since in the next stage the transmission of compressed fluids will occur, which could lead to accidents there is any chance that the air connector could come out on its own. Alternatively, the pivots could be in the movable connector and the channels in the interlocking element. If that the interlocking element is in the movable connector, the interaction would be made with the stationary connector.
In a second stage, the shape of the slots changes direction moving away from the connecting area. In this manner, when the pivots pass through the slots, both connectors move closer. The first and second fluid connection elements are pressed against each other, moving the internal valves and enabling the working fluid to leave the sealing chamber and circulate through the flexible tube of the hose. At that time, the position of the movable connector must be ensured and it must be prevented from being released. A possible alternative to this solution is, when the interlocking element is handled, to move the sealing chamber, but not the valve such that the air passage stays open as in the previous case.
Finally, in a third stage, the interlocking element must pass through an interlocking area. Meaning, it must be secured by an integrated element or positioner of the connector which prevents the interlocking element from moving or rotating if it is not done so by the hand of the user on purpose. This effect can be achieved in different manners, such as for example, that the channels through which the pivots circulate become narrower, or change direction again so as to prevent it from rotating or moving without overcoming said change in direction or protrusion.
The pivot can also be made to pass through a commercial or integrated positioner in the casing which holds the interlocking element and a certain force needs to be exerted in order to get out of this situation.
In the event that the hose is loaded with pressure and it is intended that it be separated from the stationary connector, when the interlocking element is in the second handling position of the valves, the air can be allowed to exit through a hole such that the connecting area between the movable connector and the stationary connector, both lines stay at the same ambient pressure, while the interlocking element continues to keep the connectors together. Lastly, when the end of the first stage is reached, both connectors are loose and the hybrid hose can be safely removed.
In the coupling between the second movable connector and the second stationary connector, the same circumstances described above occur with respect to the opening of the pneumatic valves and the manual operation of the interlocking element, but inversely, since the hybrid hose is what is loaded with pressurised working fluid and the consumers of working fluid are at ambient pressure.
The valve(s) can be especially manufactured to be adapted to the stationary connector or commercial valves and handling the casings for opening the valves, all in unison with an element integrated into the casings. The valves will be elements integrated in the same parts as the ones the casing is made up of, meaning they will all form one element. Although in a second embodiment, these may be external elements adapted and inserted into the casing.
In both cases, the effect achieved is the same, which when contact of the stationary and air connector is made, the valves open and when both connectors separate, the valves close.
It is also possible to configure the device such that the manual operation of the valves and ensuring the interlocking of the connectors is performed remotely and/or in an automated manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are described below, based on schematic drawings, wherein

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the hose, the movable connector and the stationary connector according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of the hose illustrated in figure 1 but without being coupled to the movable connector;
Figure 3 is a detailed front perspective view of the stationary connector illustrated in figure 1;
Figure 4 is a detailed front perspective view of the movable connector illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a detailed side perspective view of the closed male pneumatic connection.
Figure 6 is a detailed side perspective view of the closed female pneumatic connection.
Figure 7 is a detailed side perspective view of the male and female pneumatic connection assembled with the passage open

The reference signs that appear in these figures identify the elements indicated below:

1: hose
2: straight hose segment
3: movable connector
4: stationary connector
5: spiral hose segment
6: first end segments of first flexible tube secondary fluid conductor
7: first end segments of first flexible tube main fluid conductor
8: electrical cables
9: first end segments of second flexible tube main fluid conductor
10: first end segments of second flexible tube secondary fluid conductor
11: fastening and locking element (first stationary connector)
12: electrical connection elements (first stationary connector)
13: fluid connection elements (first stationary connector)
14: protective cap
15: anchoring holes for vertical anchoring of the first stationary connector
16: anchoring holes for horizontal anchoring of the first stationary connector
17: anchoring slot
18: second fluid connection elements (first movable connector)
19: second electrical connection elements (first movable connector)
20: insulating rubber membrane (first movable connector)
21: adapter of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
22: body of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
23: piston of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
24: sealing gasket of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
25: contact face of the piston of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
26: securing air bellows of the piston (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
27: sealing surface of the piston of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
28: cylindrical contact surface of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
29: abutment surface of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
30: slotted element for passage of air through the piston in the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
31: elastic element in the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
32: through hole through the adapter of the male connection (first fluid connection elements first stationary connector)
33: sealing gasket in the female connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
34: body of the female connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
35: elastic element in the female connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
38: slotted element for passage of air through the piston in the female connection
37: (second fluid connection elements first movable connector) adapter of the female connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
38: through hole for air through the adapter of the female pneumatic connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
39: piston of the female connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
40: contact face of the piston of the female connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
41: funnel mouth of the body of the female connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
42: abutment face of the body of the female connection (second fluid connection elements first movable connector)
43: assembly of the male fluid connection in the coupled position with the air passage open
44: assembly of the female fluid connection in the position with the air passage open
45: air passage between male-female fluid connections

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The connection device whose embodiment is shown in the figures, comprises in a preferred embodiment first electrical connector elements which can each be connected to a power supply, first fluid connection elements which can be connected to a working fluid supply, a power feed line comprising a plurality of electrical cables with corresponding second electrical connector elements coupled at respective first ends of the electrical cables, and which can each be connected to one of the first electrical connector elements in a male-female connection, a working fluid feed line comprising at least one flexible tube conducting a working fluid with a second fluid connection element coupled at a first end of a flexible tube, designed to carry a working fluid selected between pneumatic fluids and hydraulic fluids, and which can each be connected to a first fluid connection element characterised in that the first electrical connector elements (12) of the power feed line and the first fluid connection elements (13) of the working fluid feed line are grouped together in a fixed manner in a first stationary connector (4), and the second electrical connector elements (19) and the second fluid connection elements (18) are grouped together in a fixed manner in a first movable connector (3), disposed such that, when connecting the movable connector (3) to the stationary connector (4), each first electrical connector element (12) and each second electrical connector element (19) are connected to each other in a male-female electrical connection, or vice versa, and each first fluid connection element (13) and each second fluid connection element (18) are connected to each other in a male-female fluid connection, or vice versa, and at least the first end segments of the electrical cables (8) and each flexible fluid tube (6, 7, 3, 10) are disposed inside an elastically flexible hose (1, 2) connected to the first movable connector (3).
In turn, and in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the opposite end of the elastically flexible hose (1) comprises a second movable connector wherein third electrical connector elements and third fluid connection elements are grouped, inversely complementary to the ones existing in a second stationary connector preferably located on the outside of the semi-trailer of the vehicle, and wherein fourth electrical connection elements and fourth fluid connection elements are grouped into a male-female connection.
The second stationary connector and the second movable connector may have inverse structures and functions similar to those of the first stationary connector (4) and the first movable connector (3), the grouping of at least two fluid connection lines and twenty-one electrical connection lines being envisaged, and preferably of four fluid connection lines and twenty-eight electrical connection lines, such that auxiliary lines of service are always available to the user both for adding functions and to replace possible failures of one of said lines without needing to replace the hose (1).
Through the first stationary connector (4), the first electrical connector elements (12) and each first fluid connection element (13) can be connected to the respective working fluid sources and power supplies, such as the power supplies existing in the tractor unit of a heavy motor vehicle for which the first stationary connector (4) may be assembled, for example, on the outer wall of the cabin of the tractor unit.
In one embodiment of the invention, the connection device further comprises a second movable connector wherein third electrical connector elements connected at second ends of the electrical cables and a third fluid connection element at a second end of each flexible tube are grouped together in a fixed manner. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the connection device comprises a second stationary connector wherein fourth electrical connector elements which can be connected to the third additional electrical connector elements in a male-female connection, and at least a fourth fluid connection element which can be connected to each third fluid connection element are grouped together in a fixed manner. Preferably, the third and fourth electrical connector elements and the third and fourth fluid connection elements are disposed such that, when the movable connector is connected to the stationary connector, each third electrical connector element and each fourth electrical connector element are connected to each other in a female-male electrical connection, and each third fluid connection element and each fourth fluid connection element are connected to each other in a female-male fluid connection.
Through the second stationary connector, the fourth electrical connector elements and each fourth fluid connection element are connected to the respective parts and devices requiring power or such working fluids for the operation thereof, such as the elements which consume them in a trailer or semi-trailer for which the second stationary device is preferably mounted on the front of the trailer or semi-trailer and in a position facing the rear wall of the cabin of the tractor unit.
Preferably, the hose (1) comprises a spiral segment (5) and at least one flat end segment (2), each of which is connected to a movable connector and in one embodiment of the invention, the working fluid feed line comprises at least one main flexible tube for the passage of outlet working fluid coming out from the working fluid feed supply from the first fluid connection element (13) to the second fluid connection element (18), and at least one secondary flexible tube for the passage of return working fluid coming from elements which consume working fluid.
A preferred embodiment of the first stationary connector comprises a body made of electrically insulating material with a rear portion, an intermediate portion and a front portion, such that the rear portion of the body of the stationary connector comprises electrical input connections and at least one working fluid inlet, the intermediate portion comprises intermediate electrical connections which connect the electrical input connections with the first electrical connection elements (12), and the front portion comprises the first electrical connector elements (12) and the first fluid connection element(s) (13), wherein the first electrical connector elements of the stationary connector (12) are disposed in the vicinity of the fluid connection element(s) (13) in an area close to the front face of the front portion of the body, while the second electrical connector elements (19) and the fluid connection element(s) of the movable connector (18) are disposed on the front face of the first movable connector (3) in a complementary manner with respect to the first electrical connector elements (12) and each fluid connection element (13) in order to thus form respective male-female connections.
The first electrical connector elements (12) may be made up of electrical pins which form male electrical connector elements, and be surrounded by an external perimeter partition, the intermediate portion of the body preferably comprising an electrically insulating material and at least one internal chamber which receives the working fluid entering through the inlet for working fluid and connected to at least one first fluid connection element (13).
According to this embodiment, the first movable connector (3) comprises a main body with a front portion which has holes wherein electrical contact bushings are inserted which make up the second electrical connector elements (19) and wherein the electrical pins of the first stationary connector are inserted when the latter is coupled to the first movable connector (3) and in turn, each second working fluid connection element (18) can be a tubular passage the rigid front portion of which is located on the front face of the first movable connector (25) and makes up a male working fluid connection element which presses on and opens the corresponding valve of the first female fluid connection element (33) in the first stationary connector (4). The rear portion of the tubular passage is located in the rear portion of the first movable connector (3) is connected to the flexible tube of the hose, and the intermediate portion of the tubular passage can be integrated into the main body of the movable connector (3).
According to this embodiment, each valve will be opened by means of pressure, a manual operation or a combination of both, when the movable connector (3) is completely coupled to the stationary connector (4).
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a fastening and interlocking element (11) is provided between the stationary (4) and movable (3) connectors which can be operated by a manual operation, pressure or a combination of both by the user in order to ensure coupling between both portions and the opening of the valves.
Preferably, the fastening and interlocking element (11) can be actuated in several stages or phases, in the first of which both connectors face each other in the position with respect to each other and it is actuated by pressure, aided by the actuation of one or more pivots secured to the interlocking element which is inserted into an anchoring slot (17) of the complementary connector or vice versa.
Once the pivots have been channelled into at least one of the second segments of said slot, the air connector can no longer be accidentally released, since the interlocking element (11) ensures the position of the movable connector and prevents it from being released, giving way to a rotational manual operation and next stage wherein the opening of valves and transmission of compressed fluids will occur, the interlocking element (11) still being fixed in a positioner which prevents the connectors from moving or turning if it is not due to a voluntary intervention of the user.
In a preferred embodiment, this latter effect can be achieved by sizing the channels through which the pivots are channelled such that they become narrower in the final segment thereof and give way to an area with a male-female fit wherein it remains retained.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, when the fluid connector element(s) (18) are pressurised and are to be separated from the stationary connector (4), moving to the intermediate position of the interlocking element (11), the movable connector (3) remains retained by the interlocking elements but once the connection elements are separated in such a way that the air can exit through a hole and equalise the pressure of the inlet and outlet lines, thereby preventing the user from suffering possible accidental whiplash due to sudden and uncontrolled depressurisation of the movable connector (3) or of the chamber existing between both of them. Lastly, a last manual operation would be triggered that would result in the complete physical disconnection of both connectors.
In this embodiment, the coupling and decoupling between the second movable connector and the second stationary connector has the same phases and features described above with regard to the opening of the pneumatic valves and manual operation of the interlocking fastening element, but inversely.
The valves can be specifically manufactured, adapted to the stationary connector (4), or commercial valves, in any case they are operated by a manual operation on the casings to open the valves, all of them simultaneously with an element integrated into the casings. The valves may be elements integrated into the same parts as those making up the casing, although in other embodiments these may be external elements adapted and inserted into the casing.
In both cases, the effect achieved is the same, and once the interconnection of the stationary (4) and movable (3) connector has been operated, the valves open the passage to the fluid of the corresponding lines, and when both connectors separate, the valves interrupt said passage.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures, the male fluid connection elements (43) comprise a body (22) whereon, on the rear portion, an adapter (21) or element for coupling to the flexible tube is coupled. In the front portion, it has at least one male cylindrical contact surface (28) which is introduced by pressure into the female connection (44) in order to perform the connection of the air passage and open the valves. The outer part of the body (22) comprises an annular surface (29) with a diameter greater than that of the cylindrical contact surface (28) which functions as an abutment surface with the surface (42) comprising the body (34) of the female fluid connection elements on the front end portion thereof. The body (22) of the male pneumatic connection (43) comprises, inside the front end portion thereof, at least one air bellow (26) which will prevent the piston (23) from coming out of the connector.
Having established contact between the abutment surfaces (29, 42), the forward movement of the male fluid connector (43) inside the female fluid connector (44) is stopped mechanically.
In said abutment position, the air passage inside both fluid connection elements is established and open, since for this purpose the male connection (43) has at least one piston (23) which is movable along the inside of the body ( 22) of the male fluid connection (43). Said piston (23) maintains the resting position thereof closed by the action of at least one elastic element (31) and in said resting position, one or more sealing gaskets (24) close the passage between the sealing surface (27) of the piston (23) and the body (22) of the pneumatic connection
The piston (23) of the male fluid connector element travels through at least one complementary stationary slotted element (30) which has slots for the passage of air through them, and comprises a front contact surface (25) with the front contact surface (40) of the piston (39) of the female fluid connection element (44).
In this embodiment, the female fluid connection element (44) has a body (34) in the rear portion of which comprises an adapter (37) for the coupling thereof to the flexible tube of the pneumatic hose provided with a hole (38) for the passage of air. In the front portion, the body (34) comprises at least one abutment surface (42) with the annular surface (29) of the outer portion of the body (22) of the male fluid connection element, and a funnel-shaped inside (41) in order to facilitate the entry of the male connection (43).
On the inside thereof, the female fluid connection element comprises at least one piston body (39), the front portion of which has a contact surface (40) which causes the movement of the piston (22) of the male fluid connector element (43) to be operated by pressure when both are assembled.
Said piston (39) is kept closed in the resting position by the action of at least one elastic element (35) disposed inside the body (34). In this embodiment and in said resting position, one or several sealing gaskets (33) prevent air from escaping from the female connection.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, both pistons (23, 39) have the recoil stroke limited when colliding with corresponding slotted elements (30, 33) when pressure is exerted on both of them, which is when the air passage is opened once the coupling of the connectors is established.

Claims

A connection device comprising
first electrical connector elements which can each be connected to a power supply,
first fluid connection elements which can be connected to a working fluid source,
a power feed line comprising a plurality of electrical cables with corresponding second electrical connector elements coupled at respective first ends of the electrical cables, and which can each be connected to one of the first electrical connector elements (12) in a male-female connection,
a working fluid feed line comprising at least one flexible tube which conducts a working fluid with a second fluid connection element coupled at a first end of a flexible tube, designed to carry a working fluid selected between pneumatic fluids and hydraulic fluids, and which can each be connected to a first fluid connection element in a first rapid connection,
characterised in that
the first electrical connector elements (12) of the power feed line and each first fluid connection element (13) of the working fluid feed line are grouped together in a fixed manner in a first stationary connector (4);
the second electrical connector elements (19) and each second fluid connection element (18) are grouped together in a fixed manner in a first movable connector (3);
the first and second electrical connector elements (12, 19) and the first and second fluid connection elements (13, 18) are disposed such that, when the movable connector (3) is connected to the stationary connector (4), each first electrical connector element (12) and each second electrical connector element (19) are connected to each other in a male-female electrical connection, and each first fluid connection element (13) and each second fluid connection element (18) are connected to each other in a male-female fluid connection;
at least first end segments of the electrical cables (8) and of each flexible tube (6, 7, 9, 10) are disposed inside an elastically flexible hose (1, 2) connected to the first movable connector (3).
The connection device according to claim 1, characterised in that
the stationary connector (4) comprises a body made of electrically insulating material with a rear portion, an intermediate portion and a front portion, wherein
the rear portion of the body comprises electrical input connections and at least one working fluid inlet,
the intermediate portion comprises intermediate electrical connections which connect the electrical input connections to the first electrical connectors (12),
the front portion comprises the first electrical connector elements (12) and each first fluid connection element (13).
The connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that
the first electrical connector elements (12) of the stationary connector (4) are disposed next to first fluid connection elements (13) in a peripheral area of the front face of the front portion of the body of the stationary connector (4),
the second electrical connector elements (19) and the second fluid connection element(s) (18) of the movable connector (3) are disposed on the front face of the movable connector (3) in a complementary manner with respect to the first electrical connector elements (12) and each first fluid connection element (13) in order to form respective male-female connections.
The connection device according to claim 3, characterised in that the first electrical connector elements (12) are made up of electrical pins, which form male electrical connector elements.
The connection device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that
the first movable connector (3) comprises a main body made of electrically insulating material with a front portion that has holes wherein respective electrical contact bushings are located which make up the second electrical connector elements (12) and wherein the electrical pins of the stationary connector (4) are inserted when it is coupled to the first movable connector (3), and the rear portions of the bushings are connected to the electrical cables (8).
The connection device according to claim 3, characterised in that
the second electrical connector elements (19) are made up of electrical pins, which form male electrical connector elements, the rear portions of the pins being connected to the electrical cables (8),
the front portion of the stationary connector (4) comprises holes wherein respective electrical contact bushings are inserted which make up the first electrical connector elements (12) and wherein the electrical pins of the movable connector (3) are inserted when it is coupled to the stationary connector (4).
The connection device according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterised in that
the intermediate portion of the body made of electrically insulating material of the stationary connector (4) comprises at least one internal chamber which receives the working fluid entering through the inlet for working fluid and is connected to at least one first fluid connection element (13),
each first fluid connection element (13) is a fluid fitting provided with a valve operated by pressure or a manual operation or a combination of both which closes the passage of the working fluid preventing the discharge thereof when the second fluid connection element (18) is not inserted and which is unlocked when the corresponding second fluid connection element (18) is inserted into the first fluid connection element (13) and enables the passage of working fluid.
The connection device according to claim 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 characterised in that
each second working fluid connection element (18) is a fluid passage making up a male or female working fluid connection element which presses on and, therefore, opens the corresponding valve of the stationary connector (4) when the first movable connector (3) is connected to the stationary connector (4) and when the first fluid connection element (13) is inserted into the respective second connection element fluid (18),
the rear portion of the fluid passage is connected to each of the flexible tubes (4, 5, 6, 7) of the hose (1, 2), the intermediate portion of the tubular passage being integrated in the main body of the first movable connector (3),
each valve is opened by means of pressure or manual operation when the first movable connector (3) is connected to the stationary connector (4).
The connection device according to claim 8, characterised in that
the first fluid connection element (13) comprises a plurality of inlet passages which each connect to one of the valves, each inlet passage making up a female connection element,
the second working fluid connection element (18) makes up a working fluid connection element, and comprises a rigid front portion which surrounds the front mouth of the fluid passage and which fits into the inlet passage when the first fluid connection element (13) is inserted into the respective second fluid connection element (18),
the valve opens when the first movable connector (3) is connected to the first stationary connector (4), such that the contact face of the movable piston of the male connection of any of the first fluid connection elements of the first stationary connector pushes and moves the contact face of the movable piston of the female connection of the complementary second fluid connection element of the first movable connector, both retracting to a maximum opening point, and stopping by mechanical abutment, both being open and connected enabling the passage of the fluid through them.
The connection device according to claim 8, characterised in that
the first fluid connection element (13) comprises a plurality of tubular projections with respective inner passages which each connect to one of the valves, each projection making up a male connection element,
the second working fluid connection element (18) makes up a female working fluid connection element, and comprises a recess which surrounds the front mouth of the fluid passage and wherein it fits into the tubular projection when the second fluid connection element (18) is inserted into the respective first fluid connection element (13).
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises, at the other end of the hose, a second movable connector comprising third electrical connector elements and third fluid connection elements grouped together in a fixed manner in a male-female connection.
The connection device according to claim 11, characterised in that the second movable connector comprises a main body made of electrically insulating material with a front portion having electrical pins, which form male electrical connector elements, the rear portions of the pins being connected to the electrical cables (8).
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a second stationary connector, comprising fourth electrical connection elements and fourth fluid connection elements, grouped and immobilised in a female connection and complementary to the third connector elements of the second movable connector.
The connection device according to claim 13, characterised in that the fourth electrical connector elements comprise holes wherein respective electrical contact bushings are located which make up the fourth electrical connector elements and wherein the electrical pins of the second movable connector are inserted when it is coupled to the second stationary connector.
The connection device according to any of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the third and the fourth electrical connector elements and the third and fourth fluid connection elements are disposed such that, when the second movable connector is connected to the second stationary connector, each third electrical connector element and each fourth electrical connector element are connected to each other in a female-male electrical connection, and each third fluid connection element and each fourth fluid connection element are connected to each other in a female-male fluid connection.
The connection device according to claim 15, characterised in that at least first end segments of the electrical cables (8) and of each flexible fluid tube are disposed inside an elastically flexible hose (1, 2) connected to the second movable connector.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the male-female and female-male configuration of the first and second connector elements and of the third and fourth electrical and fluid connector elements respectively, and of the stationary and movable connectors, can be inverted.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the male fluid connection elements (43) comprise a body (22) whereon, on the rear portion, an adapter (21) or element for coupling to the flexible tube is coupled, in the front portion of said body (22) it has a male cylindrical contact surface (28) which is introduced by pressure in at least one complementary piston in the female connection (44) in order to perform the connection of the air passage and open the valves, and wherein the outer portion of the body (22) comprises at least one annular surface (29) with a diameter greater than that of the male cylindrical contact surface (28) which functions as a mechanical abutment surface by complementary correspondence with the surface (42) comprised in the front end portion of the body (34) of the female fluid connection elements.
The connection device, according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the body (22) of the male fluid connection (43) comprises, inside the front end portion thereof, at least one air bellow (26) which will prevent the piston (23) from coming out of the connector.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that contact established between the mechanical abutment surfaces (29, 42) physically stops the forward movement of the male fluid connector (43) inside the female fluid connector (44);
in said abutment position, the air passage inside both fluid connection elements is established and open, since for this purpose the male connection (43) has at least one piston (23) which is movable along the inside of the body (22) of the male fluid connection (43). Said piston (23) maintains the resting position thereof closed by the action of at least one elastic element (31) and in said resting position, one or more sealing gaskets (24) close the passage between the sealing surface (27) of the piston (23) and the body (22) of the pneumatic connection.
The connection device, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the piston (23) of the male fluid connector element travels through at least one complementary stationary slotted element (30) which has slots for the passage of air through them, and comprises a front contact surface (25) with the front contact surface (40) of the piston (39) of the female fluid connection element (44).
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the female fluid connection element (44) has a body (34) in the rear portion of which it comprises an adapter (37) for the coupling thereof to the flexible tube to the pneumatic hose provided with a hole (38) for the passage of air and in the front portion the body (34) comprises an abutment surface (42) in complementary correspondence with the annular surface (29) of the outer portion of the body (22) of the male fluid connection element, and a funnel-shaped inside (41) in order to facilitate the entry of the male connection (43).
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, on the inside thereof, the female fluid connection element comprises at least one piston body (39) the front portion of which has a contact surface (40) which causes the movement of the piston (22) of the male fluid connector element (43) to be operated by pressure when both are assembled.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the piston (39) is kept closed in the resting position by the actions of at least one elastic element (35) disposed inside the body (34). In this embodiment and in said resting position, one or several sealing gaskets (33) prevent air from escaping from the female connection.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that both pistons (23, 39) have the recoil stroke limited when colliding with corresponding slotted elements (30, 36) when pressure is exerted on both of them, which is when the air passage is opened once the coupling of the connectors is established.
The connection device according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the second stationary connector comprises a body made of electrically insulating material with a rear portion, an intermediate portion and a front portion, wherein the rear portion of the body comprises electrical outlet connections and at least one inlet and one working fluid return, the intermediate portion comprises intermediate electrical connections which connect the electrical outlet connections with the fourth electrical connectors, and the front portion comprises fourth electrical inlet connector elements and fourth inlet connection elements and fluid return.
The connection device according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the intermediate portion of the body made of electrically insulating material of the second movable connector comprises at least one internal chamber which receives the working fluid entering through the inlet for working fluid and is connected to at least one third fluid connection element, each third fluid connection element is a fluid fitting provided with a valve operated by pressure or a manual operation or a combination of both, which closes the passage of the working fluid preventing the discharge thereof when the fourth fluid connection element is not connected and which is unlocked when the corresponding third fluid connection element is inserted into the fourth fluid connection element and enables the passage of working fluid.
The connection device according to claim 13, and 16 to 27, characterised in that each third working fluid connection element is a fluid passage which makes up a male working fluid connection element which opens the corresponding valve of the second stationary connector when the second movable connector is connected to the second stationary connector and the third fluid connection element is inserted into the respective fourth fluid connection element, the front portion of the third fluid connection element is connected to each of the corresponding flexible tubes of the hose, the intermediate portion of the tubular passage being integrated in the main body of the second movable connector, and each valve is opened by means of pressure or manual operation or a combination of both when the second movable connector is connected to the second stationary connector.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the third fluid connection element comprises a plurality of inlet passages which each connect to one of the valves, each inlet passage making up a male connection element, the fourth working fluid connection element makes up a working fluid connection element, and comprises a rigid front portion that surrounds the front mouth of the fluid passage wherein the inlet passage fits when the third fluid connection element is inserted into the respective fourth fluid connection element, the valve opens when the second movable connector is connected to the second stationary connector, such that the contact face of the movable piston of the male connection of any of the third fluid connection elements of the second movable connector pushes and moves the contact face of the movable piston of the female connection of the second stationary connector, both retracting to a maximum opening point, and stopping by mechanical abutment, both being open and connected enabling the passage of the fluid through them.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the third fluid connection element comprises a plurality of tubular projections with respective inner passages which each connect to one of the valves, each projection making up a male connection element, the fourth working fluid connection element making up a female working fluid connection element, comprising an inlet that surrounds the front mouth of the fluid passage and wherein the third fluid connection element fits when inserted into the respective second stationary connector.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stationary and movable connectors incorporate fastening and interlocking elements (11) which use pressure, manual operation or a combination of both.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that fastening and interlocking elements (11) of the stationary and movable connectors incorporate comprise pivots secured to the respective connector, in correspondence with anchoring slots (17) in the complementary connector or vice versa.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of selectable fluid connection lines and a plurality of selectable electrical connection lines.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least two fluid connection lines and twenty-one electrical connection lines.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of lines selectable between two and four fluid connection lines and twenty-one and twenty-eight electrical connection lines.
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stationary connectors comprise a protective cover (14).
The connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stationary connectors comprise vertical (15) or horizontal (16) anchoring holes for the fastening thereof to a selectable location of the vehicle or of a portion thereof.